| Alabama Red-bellied Turtle |
Article Index for Alabama |
Website Links For Alabama |
Information AboutAlabama Red-bellied Turtle |
The Alabama Red-Bellied Turtle, ''Pseudemys alabamensis'', is native to Alabama. It belongs to the ''Emydidae'' turtle family. DESCRIPTION Adult red-bellied turtles are approximately 1 foot (30 cm) in length. Its Carapace (upper shell) may be greenish to dark brown or black, with yellowish, orangish, or reddish vertical markings along the sides. Its Plastron (under shell) may be pale yellow to red, possibly with dark markings. LIFE HISTORY The red-belly inhabits the fresh to brackish waters of the Mobile Delta in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. It is found nowhere else in the world. Nesting of the red-bellied turtle occurs from May through July. Female turtles lay their eggs on dry land, digging nests in sandy soil, where 4 to 9 eggs are deposited. Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer. However, when the turtles nest in late July, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring. EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|